Lot #284

Andrew Johnson

Description

With the potential for a major inter-oceanic canal, Johnson works earnestly to assure good relations with Nicaragua

Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8 x 8.25, June 13, 1867. Document reads, in full: “I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to my Full Power to A.B. Dickinson, Esqre to negotiate an Article providing for an extension of the time for exchanging the ratifications of the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce with Nicaragua, signed March 16, 1859, dated this day, and signed by me; and for so doing this shall be his warrant.” Attractively matted and framed with a gold-inlaid, sterling silver portrait plate issued in a limited edition by the Franklin Mint in the early-to-mid 1970s to an overall size of 26.75 x 16.75. A few wrinkles and creases, mild toning to one horizontal fold, and several stray ink marks above signature, otherwise fine condition.

In hopes of securing future international commerce opportunities, President Johnson gave US Minister to Nicaragua Andrew B. Dickinson full power to extend the time for ratifying a Treaty of Friendship and Commerce with the Central American nation. As early as the 1820s, talk circulated of constructing a waterway through the country to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. After an 1849 attempt at construction by Cornelius Vanderbilt showed the potential in the project, the US government began to consider the undertaking more seriously, which inspired the Treaty, initially drafted under President James Buchanan and ratified under Johnson in 1868. A wonderful document regarding the highly important Inter-Oceanic Nicaragua Canal, a project still in the works today. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Rare Manuscript, Document & Autograph
• Dates: #418 - Ended November 13, 2013

This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for (inquire for price)

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.